This time I came to the Okinawa's Ao Island seafood diner, and there are two main highlights of the trip: watching cats + eating seafood. Ao Island is also known as "Cat Island," and there are really a lot of cats on the island. You can encounter a lazy cat basking in the sun or one squatting and staring at you every few steps. For cat lovers, it’s simply a healing paradise.

This seafood diner is a must-try popular spot on the island. The location isn't abundant, but it offers tatami seating and has a very traditional Japanese atmosphere, making it feel authentically local without needing much decoration. Although there are quite a few tourists, the diner provides an English menu, and the ordering process is friendly, which is a big plus for foreigners.

I ordered the fried fish set. The fish is freshly fried, with a crispy outer layer and firm meat, making it taste fresh. The set also includes Okinawa's must-eat sea grapes, which have a unique popping texture; they burst in your mouth like little bubbles. Honestly, the flavor isn’t strong, as it’s mainly about the texture and freshness.

My wife ordered the sashimi set. The sashimi is cut thick, the fish is very fresh, and it has a natural sweetness without any sinewy or off-putting taste. The quality exceeded our expectations, making it the kind you can eat with confidence.

Overall, Ao Island seafood diner is an honest little shop that fits perfectly in a tourist spot. The food is fresh, the environment has a great atmosphere, and after eating, you can stroll by the port to see if there are any cats around.